The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-07-23

Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ears.
"Hullo somebody has got the start of
me" he thought ruefully. "Who the
deuce can it be?
"Well, don't mind giving you f15O
for it-and perhaps you've something else
it may suit me to buy" he said, with a
glance round the studio. "Whats this p
he added, going up to large picture, very
handsomely framed, but turned with its
face to the wall.
GA picture sent in to Burlington
House last year, but it wasn't accepted,
stammered Michael Angelo.
''Humphl I don't wonder. What's
the name of it? went on the dealer, read
ing the legend inscribed on the frame,
margaret Mending her Stockings" "Nc
that won't suit me; it's big, ugly thing
and shockingly raw. You've done better
work since-n
"All of which is sold,' interrupted Me
Clip, in huffed tone,. "except this little
thing-'Sour Grapes.
But again the dealer shook his head, and
took his stand before the easel on which
stood "Chloe."
am give you e3oo for it" he said al
last.
Michael Angelo hesitated. He would
rather Levi had the picture than Zerubba-
bel; but it seemed hard he should make nc
present profit out of this-his best work
Every penny of the e3OO would be swal
lowed up in getting clear of that unfortu
nate bill of sale
"Give me week to think it over" he
said at last, turning abruptly round to tho
dealer.
In doing so he caught his foot in the
support of the easel, and the picture fel
heavily to the ground.
"Good God, what have you done r cried
Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael Angelo was toe
frightened to speak. Together they picked
mp the picture. Fortunately, the canvas
was not damaged, but large corner of the
frame was Clipped off.
aThat's soon remedied," said Mr.. Levi
"a new frame won't cost much. But, Mr.
Megilp, l hope you'll think over my offer
it may lead to further business, you know,
he added amiably. And he left the artist
standing, with rather rueful air, before
his cherished picture.
"What has happened, Angy? l heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Levi offer,
ed you? Oh, what pity the beautiful
frame" said Mrs. Megilp, bustling into the
studio. But without waiting for answers
to her questions, she went on: ''Ive just
had a letter from Aunt Jane, and she
wants us to spend from Saturday to Mon
day with her. Do let me accept, dear
You look quite pale from overwork, and
so long for sight of the country Dc
let's get away from these bothering money.
lenders and people, and have a holiday.
I'm sure we both want it. "
'Levi has offered me f300 for Chloe,
began Megilp gravely.
"Why, that's worse than Mr.. Zerubba-
bel-but about Aunt James invitation,
Angy. May accept p
Megilp never could refuse his wife any
thing. She had evidently set her heart
upon the visit, SO, though he didn't like
leaving town at such a critical moment, he
let her ave her own way; and the note
accepting Aunt James invitation was writ
ten and posted forthwith.
Having called at the picture-framer's and
ordered new frame for "Chloe," and left
the key of the studio with Mary Anne, the
housemaid, with directions to hand over
the picture to Mr.. Ormoin's representative,
Megilp and his wife left town the follow
ing afternoon and spent delightful quiet
Sunday with Aunt Jane at her cottage in
Sussex.
Late on Monday evening the Megilps
returned home. "Any one called while
we were away? Any letters, Mary Annel''
Mrs Megilp asked, as the neat handmade
en- met her at the door.
"Oh, yes, mum, if you please" replied
Mary Anne volubly. son Saturday, soon
after you and master left, Mr.. 0rmoin S
young man came for the picture-the
pretty one with the chickens; and this
morning came a dark gentleman,-
Jewish gentleman, L should say, mum
the same as called the other evening
when master was out. And he asst
me if he could see masters pictures and |
said yes, thought he could, and showed
him into the drawing-room. | hope did
right, sir ?" she added, turning to Megilp.
"Quite right. Which pictures did you
show him, Mary Anne2"
II asst him to wait minute" resumed
the girl, smoothing her apron complacent-
ly, aand I made the studio look quite nice
before showed him in. l lifted the big
picture--the one of the young lady with
two long plaits of air down her back
Margaret Mending her Stockings,
said Megilp, under his breath.
"And l put it on the easel, and it looked
beautiful, went on the maid glibly. "Fhe
gentleman seemed very much took with it
and then he looked at the little picture
"Sour Grapes" interpolated Michae
Angelo, smiling.
'iAnd then he asst me for pen and ink
and then he set down and wrote you this
letter, sill" Here she produced from he
pocket two letters. aThis other came BY
post this morning" she added, giving hotf
to him.
Hastily stufing tho post-letter into hi
pocket, Megilp tore open Mr.. Zerubbabel'i
communication. When he had read it, ht
burst into hearty laugh, drew his wife int
the drawing room, and shut the door OF
the astonished Mary Anne.
"Madgel Madgel it's the best joke-yor
must raise that girls wages five pounds {
year, and give her gown or something
Pom my word, you must. She's done us
splendid turn. Read thatl'
He handed the open letter to Mrs. Me
Clip. 1t ran as follows:
DEAR SIR: / have seen your pictur
margaret Mending her Stockings" It
taken my fancy. I'll buy it Of you on tn
following terms: I'll remit the bill of sal
and give yon ESQ. If you accept, bill of sal
RENTED by return of post. Wire reply.
Yours respectfully,
MICAH ZERUBBABEL.
Perhaps you'd throw in the little picture
s'Sour Grapes" ESQ is a lot Of money.
NJ. 2.
sI'm afraid he has made a mistake. II
meant to buy Chloe, said Mrs Megil